Located to the extreme southwest of Europe, the Iberian Peninsula is the second-largest of its kind on the continent. Spain takes up a large majority of the land mass and is home to nine of the region's 10 major cities, with Portugal occupying the coastline and bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
The football rivalry was built mainly on geographical positioning rather than public hostility and odium. Historically, the two countries have been enemies and allies through the centuries, thus a deep-rooted hatred is practically non-existent. But the absence of animosity does not negate strong emotions that build up amongst both sets of supporters with the mere mention of an Iberian derby on the horizon.
To read the rest of my article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/27/spain_portugal_euro2012_semifinals/
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Forza Italia!
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Sunday’s Euro 2012 quarter-final match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine.
The score
Scoreless after 120 minutes, penalties were needed to produce a winner. Misses from Ashley Young and Ashley Cole set up Antonio Diamanti to be the hero, clinching the victory 4-2 from the spot.
What this result means
Italy will face Germany in the second semifinal on Thursday at the National Stadium in Warsaw.
If you want to read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Spain Rolls On
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Saturday's Euro 2012 quarter-final match between Spain and France in Donetsk, Ukraine.
The score
A two-goal performance by Xabi Alonso earned Spain a 2-0 victory in a dominating performance that was never in serious doubt.
What this result means
The victory will keep Spain in Donetsk as they will now meet Portugal in the semifinal on Wednesday at the Donbass Arena.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Sensational Sweden
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Tuesday's Euro 2012 Group D match between Sweden and France in Kiev, Ukraine.
The score
A sublime volley by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the second half turned out to be the winner, with Sebastian Larsson finishing off the match in injury time as Sweden bow out with a 2-0 victory.
What this result means
The loss by the French drops them to second spot in Group D and a quarter-final date with Spain on Saturday. Laurent Blanc will need to rally his troops fast and hope to restore some much needed confidence before facing the defending champions. Sweden still finish bottom of the group after losing the head-to-head battle with Ukraine. However, they exit the tournament on a winning note and with some pride restored
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/18/euro2012_france_sweden/
The score
A sublime volley by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the second half turned out to be the winner, with Sebastian Larsson finishing off the match in injury time as Sweden bow out with a 2-0 victory.
What this result means
The loss by the French drops them to second spot in Group D and a quarter-final date with Spain on Saturday. Laurent Blanc will need to rally his troops fast and hope to restore some much needed confidence before facing the defending champions. Sweden still finish bottom of the group after losing the head-to-head battle with Ukraine. However, they exit the tournament on a winning note and with some pride restored
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/18/euro2012_france_sweden/
Monday, June 18, 2012
Spain Leaves It Late
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Monday's Euro 2012 Group C match between Croatia and Spain in Gdansk, Poland.
The score
The goal came late, but Jesus Navas' effort in the 88th minute won the match and the group for Spain.
What this result means
With the victory Spain finish top of the group with seven points, setting up a quarter-final match-up in Donetsk with the runner-up of Group D. The loss combined with the win by Italy has left Croatia on the outside looking in, finishing third in the group. It was a tough way to go out for the Croats after three strong performances.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/18/euro2012_spain_croatia/
The score
The goal came late, but Jesus Navas' effort in the 88th minute won the match and the group for Spain.
What this result means
With the victory Spain finish top of the group with seven points, setting up a quarter-final match-up in Donetsk with the runner-up of Group D. The loss combined with the win by Italy has left Croatia on the outside looking in, finishing third in the group. It was a tough way to go out for the Croats after three strong performances.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/18/euro2012_spain_croatia/
Germans Stay Perfect
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Sunday’s Euro 2012 Group B match between Denmark and Germany in Lviv, Ukraine.
The score
Surprising goal-scorer Lars Bender provided the winner for Germany late in the second half as the match ended 2-1.
What this result means
The win awarded Germany top spot in the group and a quarter-final match-up with Greece. Despite a valiant effort, Denmark exits the tournament with the loss after Portugal beat Netherlands to clinch second place.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Greeks Avoid Tragedy
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Saturday's Euro 2012 Group A match between Greece and Russia in Warsaw, Poland.
The score
The lone goal by Giorgos Karagounis lifted Greece to a 1-0 victory and a spot in the next round.
What this result means
Greece clinched a quarter-final place with a hard fought win over Russia. Despite the great start, the Russians loss combined with a win by the Czech Republic in the group’s other match has knocked them out of the tournament.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
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